I get press releases all the time announcing the introduction of this or that brewery into the Texas market, and I usually ignore them, because I just don't think yet another out-of-state brewery squeezing onto our store shelves is that big a deal, even if they make decent beer.

But I'm making an exception for this one. I think Michigan's Founders Brewing makes excellent beer. Heretofore, I've only been able to taste their magnificent work when I travel to Kansas City to visit my in-laws. I've mostly had their heavier beers during my Christmas visits, and I especially loved the Porter and the Breakfast Stout. Seriously, the crappiest beer I've ever had by them was great. I'm really looking forward to this.

FOUNDERS BREWING CO. EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION INTO TEXAS

Founders’ Beers Will Be Available in the Lone Star State in April 2013

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Mar. 5, 2012 - Founders Brewing Co. has partnered with Ben E. Keith Beverage Distributors to offer their unique beers across the Lone Star State beginning April 2013. Founders Brewing Co., established in 1997, has evolved into one of the highest recognized breweries in the United States. Texans will now have the opportunity to enjoy their products without having to leave the state.

“Texas is an up-and-coming market, and we’re impressed with what we’re seeing there,” said Co-Founder & CEO Mike Stevens. “We’ve been getting more and more inquiriesfrom Founders fans in Texas over the past couple of years. The Ben E. Keith team is dedicated to the craft beer market and is helping introduce complex brands like ours to eager consumers who are hungry for them. Besides, we’ve always wanted to get Founders beer to Willie Nelson’s home state. Now the time is right.”

"We are delighted to partner with Founders,” said Specialty Division Manager at Ben E. Keith Kevin Nettleton, “and are eager to distribute their esteemed beers in Texas."

Founders plans to include all of its year-round and seasonal ales as draft product in the first shipment for an April 8 release. Bottled beers will be released in May, and specialty releases will be available following the release schedule from there.

For a list of all the states in which Founders is available, as well as information on their new 2013 lineup and release calendar, visit www.foundersbrewing.com.

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About Founders Brewing Co.

Established in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts with day jobs and a dream, Founders Brewing Co. has made a distinctive mark on the craft beer community by brewing complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders is one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the nation, currently ranking among the top 50 largest craft breweries in the U.S. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival, and its beers are often rated among the best in the world by RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild and the Brewers Association. For more information, visit www.foundersbrewing.com.

About Ben E. Keith Beverages

Ben E. Keith Company, established in 1906, began selling Anheuser-Busch products in 1933. Today, Ben E. Keith Company’s Beverage division is the third largest independent beer wholesaler in the country. The company also distributes import beers, craft beers, wine products and nonalcoholic beverages. With fourteen Sales & Distribution Centers in Texas including Abilene, Austin, Brownwood, Commerce, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ft. Worth, Houston, Kerrville, Llano, Palestine, San Antonio, and Waco, the company operates throughout the state of Texas. For more information, please visit www.BenEKeith.com/beverage.

As I post this, the Texas craft brewing legislation is being discussed right now in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. (8am, March 5). If you want to watch, go to http://www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php and click on the Business and Commerce channel.